Wattie's honours son of its founder

Heinz Wattie's has paid tribute to Raymond Wattie, who died this month aged 83.

Mr Wattie grew up in his father's business, working at the cannery after school and leaving high school after two years to work full time.

He rose through the ranks to become the company's managing director at 43.

Heinz Wattie's chief operating officer Michael Gibson said everyone at the company was saddened to learn of Mr Wattie's death.

"There are still a small number of people in the business who worked with Ray and his late brother, Gordon," he said.

"Ray's passing has been marked at King St by flying the flag at half-mast.

"This is in honour of a man who made such a significant contribution to the development of Wattie's - founded by his father, Sir James - to become such a special New Zealand business.

"The thoughts of everyone at Heinz Wattie's are with Ray's wife, Zeta, and their family."